Nada thrilled with Games debut

Qatari swimmer Nada Arkaji yesterday produced a personal best in the 50m women’s freestyle qualifying competition at the Aquatics Centre on day eight of the London Olympic Games. The 17-year-old posted a healthy time of 33.89 secs to finish fourth from a group of eight swimmers in heat 3 out of the 10 planned at the venue located inside the imposing Olympic Park in East London. Nada, 17, is one four female athletes representing Qatar at the 2012 Olympic Games. Yesterday’s heat was won by Karin Clashing of Antigua with a time of 30.01secs. In second spot was Vitiny Hemthon (30.44) while Rwanda’s Alphonsine Agahozo finished as third fastest swimmer in the heat (30.84). Nada was timed just 0.88secs off the pace set by Clashing. “I am happy with the way I performed today. I didn’t win but it wasn’t a bad day. I am just thrilled to be participating in the Olympic Games,” Nada, daughter of former Qatar football team player Mohamed Wafa, said. “Of course I have benefited by being here,” she said. “I look forward to another shot at Olympic Games but with more training and experience and with more serious preparation,” the Qatari added. A student at Carnegie Mellon University in Doha, Nada is eager to continue her journey as Qatar’s top swimmer. “I am looking forward to more competitions. Study is important to me but I plan to take part in more competitions, whether Arabic or international events, it doesn’t matter. I just need more experience,” she explained. Abdullah al-Mahmoud, coach of Nada, said: “I find her as a promising talent and what we saw in London - in front of a big crowd - I think she can do really well at international events. She has the motivation to do well.” Winner of the “Best Coach” award handed by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) in the 2010-2011 season, al-Mahmoud added: “This was a unique opportunity for her and she enjoyed herself. When you enjoy, you generally do well and learn a lot. “Swimming for Arab girls is new. If they (the Qatari swimmers) continue to work hard, then they can compete at the top level. Nada got to see some of the great swimmers of the US, Australia, China and from Europe also here in London.” Khalil Ibrahim al-Jaber, President of the Qatar Swimming Association (QSA), said: “I am delighted to see Nada do well. Producing a personal best at the Games ... well, that is good news. This shows her fine talent and her great temperament. She wasn’t overawed at this great venue (Aquatics Centre).” From: Gulf Times